Key Facts
Background
Michael Maher grew up in Tulare, California, and graduated from Tulare Union High School in 2001 before enlisting in the US Navy. He graduated from the US Naval Academy’s Preparatory School, Fresno Pacific University, the FBI Academy in Virginia, and the US Navy’s Nuclear Power School. Maher also attended Oxford University and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University.
His professional service includes serving in the US Department of Justice as a Special Agent of the FBI in the National Security Division. He was the Counterproliferation Coordinator for the LA Field Office, and he also worked with police, fire and hazmat teams, and sheriffs to support the criminal division. He briefly worked with the Fresno FBI resident agency and received the ODNI Award from the Director of National Intelligence. In aviation, Maher worked in the construction industry for over 5 years and was the President and CEO of an international luxury air charter company.
Key Issues
Water
Maher wants to implement multiple solutions for water accessibility in the Central Valley. He believes there is no one-size-fits-all-solution, such as only adding new environmental regulation or only relying on 50-year old infrastructure. He also wants to allocate more water to farmers so they can produce the best products and in turn provide food for the Central Valley.
Economy
Maher wants to provide opportunities for local businesses and new industries. He wants to increase the utilization of Fresno’s airports and bring more high-paying aviation jobs to California.
Sustainability
Maher is working on the advancement of electric powered flight, sustainable jet field, and hydrogen powered electric vehicles such as airplanes and semi-trucks. He wants to bring such advancements to the Central Valley in California.
Endorsements
Kevin Cookingham, Andy Vidak, Maher for Congress